I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In author CC Robinson’s ” Divided, ” the first in the series of the same name, a young man seeking freedom finds the opportunity in a rebellion building within a work camp under the iron rule of a dictator.
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The Synopsis
Impenetrable walls. Ethnic division. A ruthless dictator.
Escape. It’s all eighteen-year-old Marcos Sanchez can think about as he stares at the towering walls of Queenstown in the Federated Republic of America, the ruthless dictator Supreme Commander Martin’s stronghold. But with Marcos’s father controlling his life, freedom seems like an impossible dream. That is, until one daring move lands him in a secret labor camp, facing a future worse than death, and he encounters a secret rebel movement – The Underground.
But their rebellion won’t come without consequences. Martin and his toadies will stop at nothing to crush the Underground’s uprising, and the stakes are higher than ever. Will Marcos and his diverse group of friends’ determination and bravery be enough to free the camp, or will they too fall victim to Martin’s iron fist?
With thrilling action, unexpected betrayals, and a relentless quest for freedom, Divided is perfect for fans of YA dystopian fiction.
The Review
What a compelling, gripping dystopian read. The author did an incredible job crafting a narrative that spoke to this world’s gritty reality. The mythos and world-building the story took on elevated the action and the drama that unfolded. The setting is unique in this story, as the story brings the reader into a divided land, with the imagery in the author’s writing capturing the nation’s divisiveness.
The heart of this story resides in the character development and the themes that this story represents. The way the story mirrored our divisive world and the conflict in recent years spoke to the theme of oppression and overcoming the odds to find hope once more. The characters embodied this perfectly, and having multiple points of view allowed the reader to get a clearer picture of how the nation divided amongst itself.
The Verdict
A thrilling, compelling, and entertaining YA Dystopian read, author CC Robins’s “Divided” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns in the story and the emotional heart of this story as the characters band together and face overwhelming odds made this one story you wouldn’t want to put down and a great entry in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
CC Robinson is the debut author of the Divided series, a dystopian series set in a racially divided world. CC has more than two decades’ experience working in cross-cultural settings as both a medical doctor bringing healthcare to post-civil war nations around the globe and as an Associate Pastor at a multi-ethnic congregation led by an African-American man in Cincinnati, the setting for Divided. She wrote Divided out of concern for our nation’s divisiveness and racial hatred.
Divided is a dystopian series set in a racially divided world in which four teens meet in an underground rebel organization and must work together despite cultural differences to prevent the dictator’s nation-annihilating territory grab.
CC lives in Cincinnati with her husband, three Gen Z grown and flown kids, one cat who thinks he’s a dog and a real lap dog. When she’s not writing or working at her church, you can find CC in her garden, elbow deep in dirt. Follow her on socials or sign up for her monthly email newsletter on her website.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Q.T. Archer shares the passions and adventures that can enrich the lives of men over the age of 50 in the book “Enrich Your Life: Top Hobbies for Men Over 50”.
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The Synopsis
“…will inspire readers to open new doors of their own—and renew their sense of purpose along the way.”– BookLife
Discover Your Next Great Adventure Beyond Fifty
Embrace a new chapter in life with Enrich Your Life, a comprehensive guide to redefining your passions and finding fulfillment after the age of fifty. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of outdoor exploration, the joy of creative expression, or the tranquility of inner peace, this book is your roadmap to a vibrant and enriching second act.
Unlock Adventure Hobbies
Embark on exhilarating journeys with chapters dedicated to adventure hobbies like hiking, fishing, motorcycling, and sailing. From scaling majestic peaks to navigating open waters, you’ll learn how to gear up, stay safe, and embark on unforgettable expeditions that invigorate the soul.
Ignite Creative Pursuits
Unleash your creativity with woodworking, photography, cooking, and writing. Whether crafting heirloom treasures, capturing timeless moments, mastering culinary delights, or penning your life’s story, you’ll find inspiration and guidance to express yourself in new and fulfilling ways.
Nourish Mind and Body Wellness
Nurture your well-being with practices like yoga, golfing, gardening, and dance. Cultivate flexibility, mental acuity, and inner peace as you engage in activities that promote physical health and emotional balance, ensuring your golden years are filled with vitality and vigor.
Stimulate Lifelong Learning
Fuel your curiosity with intellectual pursuits like chess, musical instruments, astronomy, and language learning. Sharpen your mind, explore new horizons, and connect with others through the joy of learning and discovery.
Embark on Your Next Great Adventure
With practical tips, inspiring stories, and resources for further exploration, Enrich Your Life is your guidebook to embracing the possibilities of life after fifty. Seize the opportunity to rediscover passion, purpose, and zest for life as you embark on a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.
The Review
This was an excellent guide to life for those over 50 looking to embrace their life to the fullest. Hitting certain milestones in life can bring about different emotions and outlooks on their life’s direction and what the rest of the path forward looks like for them. The author does an incredible job of writing in a way that speaks and connects to the reader, demonstrating each activity and lesson in an easy-to-understand manner that feels very conversational.
The hobbies and activities in this book were spot-on with their demonstrations. From hiking and outdoor activities to photography, meditation, and golfing, each section spoke to a different person who would find it relatable and inspiring. As a writer, I significantly explored the writing section in this book, exploring everything from journaling to fiction writing.
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The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and engaging author Q.T. Archer’s “Enrich Your Life” is a must-read nonfiction book on living life to the fullest. The exploration of not only activity but knowledge and even building a legacy will resonate with so many readers. It shows that age isn’t a milestone to dread but a reminder to keep pursuing the things that matter most. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Unlock the power of the Tarot and transform your life with The Mastery Guide to Tarot Reading for beginners. Discover the hidden messages within each card and tap into your intuition to gain insight and enlightenment.
Gain practical tips and techniques for mastering the art of divination
Dive into the depths of the collective unconsciousness and experience the transformative power of the Tarot
Enhance your intuitive abilities and learn to read for yourself and others
In The Mastery Guide to Tarot Reading, you will discover:
Practical methods for interpreting card meanings
A detailed analysis of the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana
Techniques for mastering various spreads
Solutions for common issues encountered while reading
Ways to enhance your Tarot practice
How to read for others and offer guidance
Plus, a user-friendly manual in the back of the book provides a quick reference guide for all 78 tarot cards, including their corresponding meanings and interpretations for suits, court cards, numbers, symbolism, and colors, making your reading experience effortless and enjoyable.
The Review
Aside from my passion for writing and reading, I am also a paranormal enthusiast, working as a paranormal investigator, podcaster, and researcher. I’ve always wanted to learn more about Tarot and how it can be applied to everyday life. This author does an incredible job of making Tarot accessible to mainstream audiences, delving into the history of Tarot in its various formats over the centuries and exploring what each card, both the Major and Minor arcana, means. An early passage even delved into Carl Jung’s exploration of collective unconsciousness and how past experiences and memories can be stored genetically from generation to generation. As a believer in high strangeness and synchronicity, Jung’s explanations ring true in this book.
The emphasis the author pays toward using one’s intuition when reading and interpreting the cards was great to read, as trusting one’s intuition in these situations and putting the meanings of these cards into that context helps in learning the meanings and power of each card. For instance, confronting the imagery of The Hanged Man card can demystify and take away the scary scenery people often feel and instead show the true meaning of embracing change and facing the fears that usually hold us back from change. The author also explores different ways of reading the cards, using different spreads, and even embracing the energy of different decks while also bringing scientific data to help with the card interpretations for those less inclined to the spiritual side of things.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, insightful, and engaging author Aleena T. Grant’s “The Mastery Guide of Tarot Reading” is a must-read nonfiction book on Tarot and spirituality. The knowledge and practical meaning behind these cards and how they can be applied to everyday life was enlightening, and the book serves as the perfect reference guide to return to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Aleena T. Grant draws inspiration from the fields of spirituality, new age practices, mind-body connection, and divination. Through her first book, The Mastery Guide of Reading Tarot, Grant is carving out a position in the realm of spiritual literature.
With a combination of personal experiences, research, and self-education, Grant shares her knowledge and understanding of the art of tarot reading. Her background is unique, shaped by her life journey, which adds a deep sense of genuineness to her writings.
In addition to being an author, Aleena is also a devoted tarot reader. Her work is deeply personal and resonates with those seeking guidance and enlightenment. Through her writing, Aleena strives to empower individuals to access their inner intuition, connect with higher planes, and unravel the enigmas of the universe.
In a world filled with doubt and ambiguity, Aleena T. Grant’s work shines as a guiding light for those on a quest for spiritual understanding and personal growth.
Best Practices for Cleansing and Charging Your Tarot Deck
By Aleena T. Gant
As a beginner, Tarot can be overwhelming. My debut book, The Mastery Guide of Tarot Reading, is a helpful guide to the process of Tarot reading. First, it’s essential to recognize that your Tarot deck is an influential instrument for divination and a reflection of your energy. To ensure honest and perceptive readings, it is necessary to cleanse and energize your deck consistently. Following this process, any lingering energies from previous readings are cleared out, and your cards are filled with new, positive vibrations.
There are various ways to purify and energize your Tarot deck, each with its own advantages. Some standard methods include:
Smudging with Sage
Ignite a bundle of sage and allow the smoke to envelop each card, concentrating on your intentions to purify and rid the deck of any negative energy, visualizing the negative energies dissipating. Sage is known for its effectual purifying abilities and can effectively eliminate harmful energies.
Moon Bathing
Set your deck on a windowsill or an outdoor surface on a night with a full moon, allowing the moonlight to work its magic. The moonlight will naturally cleanse and charge your cards with its ethereal energy. This technique is particularly effective for decks with a powerful connection to lunar cycles and intuition.
Crystal Charging
Choose a purifying crystal, such as clear quartz or selenite, and rest it on your deck for a few hours or overnight. These crystals possess the power to absorb any negative energies and imbue your cards with positive, magnifying vibrations.
Shuffling and Knocking
Hold your deck and shuffle the cards while focusing on your intention to cleanse and charge your cards. Finally, with a gentle knock on the deck three times, it quickly releases trapped energy between readings.
Breath Cleansing
Take a moment to inhale deeply with your deck held in your hands. As you release your breath, imagine a powerful beam of bright, white light surrounding your deck of cards, cleansing them of lingering negative energies. Repeat this process three times or until you feel the deck is thoroughly cleansed.
Now, to perform the cleansing and charging ritual. Follow these actionable steps:
Find a quiet, peaceful space where you won’t be disturbed.
Set your intention to cleanse and charge your deck, focusing on the purpose of this ritual.
Choose your preferred cleansing method (smudging, moon bathing, crystal charging, shuffling and knocking, or breath cleansing).
Once you’ve completed your chosen cleansing method, hold the deck in your hands and infuse it with your positive energy. Visualize your intentions for accurate, insightful readings flowing into the cards.
Express gratitude for your deck and its role in your spiritual journey.
Store your deck in a safe, sacred space, such as a silk pouch or wooden box, to maintain its cleansed and charged state.
Keep in mind that effective cleansing and charging rely on your intention and focus. While you use your deck, you will grow a stronger bond and knowledge of its distinct energy. Regularly cleansing and charging your Tarot deck will ensure your readings remain accurate, insightful, and free from unwanted energies.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two brothers are hired to find a cache of deadly radioactive Agent Orange before it can be used in a drone attack on Los Angeles in author Patrick Canning’s “For Your Benefit”.
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The Synopsis
Teddy Lint is the kindest private investigator on the planet, committed to seeing the best in everyone he meets. The detective agency he runs out of a Los Angeles strip mall with his brother Ralph has seen a strange case or two before, but never anything like this.
A man claiming to work for the CIA hires the Lints to find a shipping container of radioactive Agent Orange that vanished over fifty years ago. He insists someone is planning on using an army of drones to drench L.A. with the deadly chemicals before the week is out.
The Lint Brothers enter a maze of bizarre suspects, from nefarious ad executives, to anarchistic Boy Scouts, to a toga-clad militia fighting for exclusive rule by women. The propaganda-obsessed society that seems to be running the world is probably worth looking into as well.
The power of empathy collides with the dangers of disinformation as Teddy fights to save the people he loves. Our beloved detective doesn’t give up easily, but any Angelenos with an aversion to death by herbicide might want to dust off that umbrella, just in case . . .
The Review
What an exhilarating and fun read! The blend of mystery, intrigue, suspense, and humor melds together effortlessly from the first page. Immediately, readers are struck by the shocking appearance of a beloved celebrity who appears in the offices of the two brothers at the behest of this mystery CIA agent. The journey only gets stranger and more compelling, with each twist and turn in the story drawing the reader in more and more.
The imagery the author uses in this book really helps give the novel a pulp, almost noir-style cinematic feel, as if blending old black-and-white films with more grungy, 70s-era vibes. The story taps into the international mystery elements perfectly while also giving some hilarious and witty exchanges between the brothers and the cast of characters to offer a necessary and over-the-top plot to get lost in.
The Verdict
With the atmosphere of a Dick Tracey meets Quentin Tarantino film and a cast of characters to rival Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas series, the novel “For Your Benefit” by Patrick Canning is a must-read mystery and suspense novel. The attention to detail, the humor, and the heart that went into the book and the development of these characters made this a remarkable story that readers will come back to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
PATRICK CANNING is the author of For Your Benefit (2024), Cryptonalia (2021), Hawthorn Woods (2020), The Colonel and the Bee (2018), and Cryptofauna (2018).
His work often blends genres, combining elements of humor, adventure, fantasy, and mystery into stories with imaginative settings, quirky characters, and typos.
Patrick lives in Chicago with his Australian Shepherd, Hank. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys walks on the lakefront, being excited/worrying about AI, and eating his bodyweight in potatoes.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Siblings discover their late father was famous and had an infamous life before their birth in the book “The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton” by Nancy Thornton Navarro and Adriana Thornton-Cornejo with Philip Mershon.
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The Synopsis
Imagine losing a parent and discovering he had a secret life you’d never known about. You and your siblings embark on a quest to uncover what it all meant, becoming enmeshed in a series of images and anecdotes found in newspapers, magazines, books, and documents. Ultimately, you realize your parent was not just famous, but VERY famous! Walter Thornton was famous during a time when it was easy to be forgotten (1920s to the 1950s), making the discoveries about his life all the more engaging due to the involved process of uncovering them.
Through alternating perspectives presented by two sisters, the Thornton saga unfolds in a whirlwind of surprising revelations, thrilling with unexpected drama, adventure, and glamour. Just imagine beautiful models, pin-up girls, Hollywood royalty—Thornton was a true trendsetter. This book unveils the captivating story of Thornton’s rise from an orphan to a charismatic male model to a visionary who transformed advertising by founding the first-ever agency for advertising models. But hold onto your hats because there’s more! Get ready for dramatic twists, encounters with models who transformed into Hollywood legends such as Lauren Bacall, Susan Hayward, and Grace Kelly, and a hint of McCarthy-era intrigue—it’s a gripping tale worthy of the silver screen itself!
The Review
What an insightful and heartfelt biography! The authors’ personal connection to Walter Thornton is immediately felt, and the emotional core of bringing his whole story to life, both the history they knew and the history they didn’t, will form a deep connection with readers as they delve into this story. The atmosphere the authors create for readers helps capture the old Hollywood meets classic American dream vibes that were so prevalent in that time period.
One of the things that made this biography stand out was how it explored what it means for people to have an impact on history. The revelation of the author’s father and his exploits as a young man, from small roles in early films to modeling and starting the first major modeling agency, allowed readers to see how even the people we love most can have other sides to them, and sometimes those sides can impact the world in a whole new way.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, engaging, and memorable, authors Nancy Thornton Navarro, Adriana Thornton-Cornejo, and Philip Mershon’s “The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton” is a must-read nonfiction biography. The detail and love that went into this biography and the insight that the subject’s life provided into not only this era of history but this industry as well will keep readers engaged and invested in the life of this illustrious man. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Authors
Walter Thornton’s daughters have devoted countless years to researching, writing, and archiving their father’s extensive collection of photos and documents, discovered in the attic of their childhood home. Drawing upon the invaluable insights collected from their father’s documents and aided by the assistance of numerous librarians from esteemed institutions such as the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, and others across the country, as well as historians, they have fully immersed themselves in the quest to unveil their father’s narrative.
Nancy Thornton Navarro is a former trademark and copyright attorney who has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Irving, Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Nancy currently lives near Dallas with her husband and is a proud mother of three.
Adriana Thornton-Cornejo (R) is a Programmer, 2D Artist, and CAD Drafter at Focus 360, a company serving the Home Building Industry. Adriana hopes that, with renewed public interest in her father’s life and career, she can one day open a Walter Thornton Museum. She lives near Los Angeles with her husband and their two sons.
Philip Mershon is an entertainment industry historian and storyteller who loves going down a good rabbit hole in search of the truth. He lives in Palm Springs, California.
Join us at The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton. We’ll interview the authors and give away a copy of the book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young warrior must face an interdimensional threat coming for her people in author Thomas More’s “City in My Hands”, the second book in the Mannahatta series.
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The Synopsis
Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey through the captivating Mannahatta series, as acclaimed author Thomas More introduces the spellbinding second installment — City In My Hands.
In the heart of Mannahatta, a remarkable heroine emerges. Sakima Tamanend is no ordinary hero; she is a force of nature, empowered by the ancient spirits of the Lenape. Sakima’s awe-inspiring legacy and unwavering strength make her a fierce warrior, inspiring a new generation of young girls to embrace their ancestral power.
Yet, darkness looms over the city as an insidious interdimensional threat descends upon her people. Sakima must rise to new heights of strength and courage as her world crumbles under a relentless assault.
Can she overcome the evil forces and monstrous creatures that threaten everything she holds dear? Will she succumb to her adversaries or emerge as an unstoppable force? The answer lies within the shadows, waiting to be discovered.
Thomas More weaves a tale that captivates, immersing you in a whirlwind of excitement. City In My Hands delves deep into themes of power, morality, and the complexities of transcending humanity. Blending ancient mysticism with futuristic combat, this dark yet redemptive story will keep you enthralled until the very last page.
The Review
What a compelling and richly developed novel. The author perfectly brought the Lenape culture into the fantasy and sci-fi genres, capturing the diverse culture and blending it with the rich mythology the author has developed since the first book. The shock of the new villain’s arrival and the brutality her people face at these invaders’ hands intensify the narrative’s action and fast pacing, keeping readers engaged immediately.
The author’s themes in this book are how people’s culture and heritage can blend with modern times and technology, how other cultures view one another, and how not every journey we undertake is filled with win after win. Still, sometimes, through loss, we learn to grow. How these invaders view the Lenape people and treat them mirrors the unjust treatment of Native American and Indigenous people all over the world by conquerors and invaders, which elevates the action and the heavy fantasy elements of the narrative significantly.
The Verdict
Adrenaline-fueled, haunting, and thought-provoking author Thomas More’s “Cit in My Hands” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy thriller. The twists and turns and the shocking cliffhanger finale will make readers eager for the next chapter in the Mannahatta series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Thomas More has always been fascinated by Native American culture. As he immersed himself in thoroughly researching the Indigenous people of North America, he discovered that there were very few sci-fi novels featuring people of these cultures as protagonists, and none at all about the original inhabitants of the island of Manhattan. Thus, the idea for the Mannahatta Series was born. Thomas More’s favorite genre is science fiction, followed closely by fantasy. He has read hundreds of sci-fi novels and short stories and has spent hours and hours watching movies and television shows in this genre.
He holds an advanced degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. Although college-educated in the art, craft, and labor of writing novels, he is self-taught when it comes to science fiction and its associated tropes, its readers, and the best of its writers. His favorite pastime is going for long motorcycle rides on city streets, country roads, and beaches (where allowed, of course!).
Sample chapters and short stories from his first book are available on the thomasmorewriter site — and you can also search there for information about Native American culture and causes, in addition to a Lenape glossary and the Mannahatta soundtrack.
I received free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Four authors tackle a blend of dystopian sci-fi and fantasy in the collection Earth’s Final Chapter (Winning 2023 Collection).
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The Synopsis
Consume
By Nikolai Bryant, illustrated by Scarlett Greer
Some places on this dystopian earth are still fertile, but not here. In the region where Evelyn lives, toxic spores have ravaged not only the landscape, but the very bodies of those who live among it, and hope seems lost. This found-family knows the feeling of those they love being ripped away, now they cling to what remains, and has yet to be consumed.
Acolyte of the Iron Oracle
By Christopher Furry, illustrated by Shirly Thomas
Living in a former Planetary Council Library comes at a price. After finding his comrades in a vicious frozen death, Chief Elder Snorri asks the help of Queen Gunnhild of Carshorn to defend their home. Will this journey strengthen their budding alliance, or cause deeper rifts?
Onda Escura
By Azalan Reign, Illustrated by Elina Smith
How does one make the leap from merely surviving to a life of thriving? Koveshi, a lone voyager who has lost everything, is shipwrecked on an island after evading the wrath of the beast, who seems to protect it. After watching countess ships succumb to the beast, one day two survivors wash up on shore, in need of help.
The Spirit of the Desert
By Aaron Webber Jr, Illustrated By Zara Challiss
Zid Satoyo becomes a mediator as three communities vie for possession of water from the sky; only, there is no rain, and there will be no easy decisions when discerning who is most worthy of such a gift. They say there is another being residing in the desert, one who lives a life of solitude, and is always watching. Will this ghostly entity keep its distance, or will they, too, lay claim to this powerful piece of tech?
The Review
Another fantastic and richly developed collection of short stories. The detail and dynamic atmosphere that the authors cultivated in their stories helped bring these worlds to life so vividly. The range of each story and the level of the survival these characters had to endure not only showcased a wide range of writing talent from these authors, but explored various facets of ways in which the world could end and endure, from biological contaminants to environmental impacts and more.
The stories, in particular The Spirit of the Desert by Aaron Webber Jr, highlighted the human condition so perfectly. Questions of morality, right and wrong, even in the face of dire survival odds, played so well across these stories. The grand mythology developed in such a short amount of time for each story and the engaging character development will easily keep readers enthralled with each and every story.
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The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining, Earth’s Final Chapter (Winning 2023 Collection) is a must-read collection of short stories for sci-fi, dystopian and fantasy fans. The beautiful illustrations in each story and the compelling character growth will allow readers to return to these amazing stories time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An alien species arrives on earth to prevent the human race from destroying themselves, but not everything is as it seems in author Alan M. Weber’s “A World Apart”.
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The Synopsis
Existential Threats & Human Survival: A Cerebral Sci-Fi Epic Tackling Racism, War, Environmental Destruction and Societal Divisions.
Delve into the mind-bending universe of Alan M. Weber’s latest masterpiece, A World Apart. This gripping narrative takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the depths of human existence and the looming threats that could lead to our extinction.
The story unfolds as mysterious entities, having observed our self-destructive tendencies through centuries of war, injustice, and environmental degradation, decide to intervene. They present humanity with a seven-point survival program. But is this a lifeline or a leash? Are these entities our saviors or colonizers? And what else have they brought with them? The answers to these questions form the crux of this riveting tale.
Weber, known for his thought-provoking works like The Mensch, What Kimi Discovered, Miens of Existence, and The Wedge, once again showcases his knack for crafting socially conscious narratives. His storytelling prowess shines through this science fiction epic, reminiscent of a novel-length version of The Twilight Zone.
A World Apart is not just a tale of survival; it’s a mirror reflecting our societal divisions. It’s a call to action against the existential threats we face – environmental degradation, racism, war, and the erosion of freedom and justice. It’s a commentary on the gun control debate and a plea for unity in a world torn apart by fear and hate.
This book is a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts and political thriller aficionados alike. Its speculative elements are sure to captivate the former, while its exploration of contemporary issues will resonate with the latter.
In A World Apart, Weber has created a world that is simultaneously familiar and alien, a world that forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about our existence. It’s a world that asks us a simple yet profound question – must we save our Earth from them or from ourselves?
The Review
This was such an insightful and compelling sci-fi novel. The fast pacing of the narrative helped showcase the seriousness and urgency of the novel’s themes, and the character development helped reflect relatable individuals and drive the plot forward naturally. The tension that grows and the heavy atmosphere surrounding this book’s premise shows a depth of intrigue that keeps the reader engaged with these characters.
The heart of the story is in the prominent themes that are featured. Sometimes, to see a problem clearly, one must be willing to take a step back and get an outside perspective on the situation. The author takes this to an extreme yet shockingly necessary place, with an alien race showing the hostility and destructive nature of mankind throughout the centuries and the threat to both ourselves and the planet mankind is. The question of morality, survival, decency, and camaraderie come into play brilliantly here, and the back-and-forth struggle as those seeking change come against those who refuse to see a brighter future charges the action moving forward in this narrative.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, shocking, and entertaining author Alan M. Weber’s “A World Apart” is a must-read sci-fi meets philosophy and political thriller novel. The realistic depictions of the divided political lines so many people reside in nowadays and the shocking twists in the narrative will keep readers on the edge of their seats and paying attention to the realities mirrored in this book from our world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Alan M. Weber was born in the Bronx, NY, and now lives in Woodstock. Always a writer, he gave poetry readings around Manhattan’s Greenwich Village in his early twenties, engaged in political activism in college, and wrote extensively in his professional field of Education. Approaching his retirement from a field in which he had worked as a teacher, school administrator and professor of early childhood education, he began a second, long-delayed career as a novelist. He has authored seven books, two for children, five for adults, spanning themes of politics, meta-psychology and the power of love.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman must solve the murder of the bookie she took an odd job with as the mob, the police and a killer seek her out in author Steven Max Russo’s “The Debt Collector”.
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The Synopsis
Abigail Barnes is young, pretty and petite, but her looks and size can be deceiving. She’s a tough as nails drifter who makes her living collecting outstanding debts for low-end bookies and loan sharks, Abigail arrives in Hackensack, NJ, from Baltimore, MD, and gets a job collecting for a small-time bookie, who winds up dead.
With a large Wall Street firm moving into town bringing jobs, prestige, and money, the press is soon up in arms about the killing. So the cops to put the squeeze on Ronnie “Slacks” Falcone, a mobster who heads organized crime in the Jersey City area, to help find the killer.
Soon Abigail finds herself being sought by a gang of hoodlums, the mob, and the police. She knows she can’t run and she won’t turn herself in because she has a past that could send her to jail. She has little choice but to try and find out who killed the bookie – without getting killed in the process.
The Review
This was a thrilling and compelling narrative. The author immediately establishes the protagonist as a strong, pull-no-punches woman who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. The way the tables turn, and she must solve this murder, speaks to the strength of the character and the grit of her determination. Her budding friendship with Hector, which begins in the midst of his robbing a gas station and evolves into so much more, showcases the humor and wit that the author infused into the dialogue.
The fast pace of the narrative speaks to crime thriller meets noir storytelling. Gabby’s fearlessness in facing the challenges of this murder case and her becoming hunted by so many different factions involved in this case, both criminals and law enforcement, add to the tense atmosphere and richly developed setting of this story.
The Verdict
Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining author Steven Max Russo’s “The Debt Collector” is a must-read crime thriller. The adrenaline of the fast-moving parts of this investigation and the steely determination that the protagonist shows in the face of danger at every turn add to the mystery and suspense, with twists and turns that will keep the reader invested in this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Steven Max Russo has spent most of his professional career as an advertising copywriter and agency owner. He got interested in writing fiction after one of his short stories was accepted by an online literary journal in 2013. Then he caught the bug and began writing seriously. The publication of his first novel, THIEVES, has garnered praise from renowned crime and thriller authors from around the globe. With a gritty writing style and unique voice, he is quickly winning a legion of new fans. Steve is proud to call New Jersey his home.
